Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your shipping rates?We wish we could personally deliver your order straight to your doorstep ourselves but because we can't we lovingly ship them to you with FREE standard delivery on all orders over $50 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

For orders under $50, our shipping rates for standard delivery (UPS Ground or USPS) go from $2–$7.50, depending on the dollar amount of your order.

How long until I receive my order?Fast! We begin processing your order immediately because we want you to always be taking the best possible care of your skin. After you submit your order it leaves our warehouse within 24–48 hours. From there, how long it takes to reach you depends on your address:

If you live in the U.S expect to receive your Paula's Choice products in 2–10 business days

For our friends up north in Canada your order will be there in 3–14 business days

Elsewhere in the world takes about 3–5 business days

Ran out of products? Want to receive your new order faster? You can select Rush Delivery when you are checking out!

Where oh where are my Paula's Choice products? You can track your order by going to your account or check the tracking information we send you via email.

Can I change or cancel my order once it has been placed?
We hate saying no, in fact we rarely do, but because we finalize and process our orders so quickly, changing or canceling them isn't an option. Contact us if you have specific concerns about something in your order and we'll make sure you get the right products (and great advice). And remember, every Paula's Choice product is sold with a 100% money-back guarantee!

What if I need to return or exchange a product?
No problem! In fact, we make it super easy for you! Info on how to return or exchange an item can be found here or refer to the back of the invoice from your order. If you need help picking out an alternate product contact us and we promise to take great care of you! Good to know: all Paula's Choice products are sold with a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee. If you're not happy, we'll do everything we can to put a smile back on your face!

Not Completely Satisfied?

Paula's Choice will provide a full refund or credit (including tax where applicable) for merchandise returned within 60 days of your purchase date. We're sorry, but shipping fees are not refundable.

Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you don't have your invoice you can print the Return/Exchange Form here.

Step 2. Package the items for return in any box and enclose the completed Return/Exchange Form.

No Animal Testing

Animal testing is not okay with us. Never has been. We don’t fund any independent source to do it for us, either. In fact we’re members of the Leaping Bunny Program, which means not only have we eliminated animal testing from our company, but also from our ingredient suppliers. We love animals so much; our employees bring their dogs to work. Keeps things real.

100% Money Back Guarantee

At Paula’s Choice Skincare we believe our products will work as claimed. In fact, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason we will give you a full refund or credit (including tax if applicable) for products returned within 60 days of your purchase date. As usual for online purchases, shipping fees are non-refundable.

How to make a return or exchange:
Step 1. Fill out the Return/Exchange Form located on the back of your invoice. If you’ve already tossed the invoice, you can print one out here.

Step 2. Pack up the items you want to return in any box. Remember to pop your completed Return/Exchange Form in there as well.

Rating

Worst / 4

Doesn't work on me

I had used it about 3 weeks, it dryed out my skin, and made my skin looked horrible. Last time when I used it, my face got ichy and I had to wash it off. So bad now I have a full of bottle and I don't want to use.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team, who can assist you with a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Erin N.

Reviewed on Wednesday, February 04, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Highly recommend!

I decided to write a review since it was the reviews of this product that helped me decide which of Paula's products to order.I have oily, sensitive skin along with rosacea. I also tend to have slightly rough texture.
I have been using this product for several weeks now and I am hooked. I have gotten compliments at work saying I look like I am glowing. My skin definitely feels smoother and looks more even. You can definitely expect a fresher appearance and glowing skin. I highly recommend.

Cecilia S.

Reviewed on Monday, January 26, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

pretty good

I've been using this at night with pure organic unrefined shea butter as my moisturizer at night and my husband told me my skin looks really bright. I also use african black soap as my cleanser. So good job PC

Ariana B.

Reviewed on Thursday, January 22, 2015

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Not convinced

Not happy. I use to be about 97% clear. Now I have cystic acne around my mouth and on my cheeks that won't go away. I know the PC gel is to blame because my breakouts happened within a day of using it. Now I have this full bottle of the gel I don't want to use. I'm so unhappy :(

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Thursday, January 22, 2015

Hello, and thank you for sharing your experience with us - we're sorry to hear this didn't work as expected for you! Please contact a member of our Customer Care team for information on a possible exchange or refund.

—Paula's Choice Research Team

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Becca B.

Reviewed on Monday, January 19, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Excellent exfoliation - plus extra goodies!

An excellent exfoliant without damaging ingredients that often accompany BHA products (menthol, alcohol,etc.). PLUS it has some other antioxidant goodies packed in to make your skin extra happy. I've had clogged, sad pores for the longest time and Never thought BHA was appropriate for me (I associated salycillic acid with my teenage acne years, and I am definitely not a teen anymore!)
Glad I wised up and gave this a try.

BRANDIE D.

Reviewed on Sunday, January 18, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Gel vs Liquid

I love this product, started with the liquid and have stayed loyal to that format. I wanted to try something that didn't need to "dry" and purchased the gel. Fantastic so if you're thinking of testing this compared to the liquid you should. I do still use the liquid particularly if I'm in the city because I find with a cotton pad it exfoliates but removes all the dirt that is left behind after using Cetaphil.

Miranda P

Reviewed on Saturday, January 10, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

ABSOLUTE LIFE CHANGER

I'm a 16 year old girl that likes to wear makeup, my face began to break out with closed comedones when I started wearing makeup and I hated the way it made my face feel and look. I looked around and decided to buy this and I'm so happy I did!! I added this to my existing skin care routine, consisting of a drugstore cleanser, toner, and moisterizer; This stuff is very worth the price! My skin is now soft and smooth, but beware it can make already oily skin a bit more oily. Overall great product!

MimiO

Reviewed on Friday, January 02, 2015

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Really works

After using this product for a few months, I have noticed a visible change (for the better!) in the blackheads on my nose. The product was easy to integrate into my evening skin care routine: I put it on, brush my teeth while it dries, then continue with serum and moisturizer.

Colleen W.

Reviewed on Wednesday, December 31, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Took awhile to work but fixed everything.

After 4 months of using this product I feel like I can finally write a review. The first 2 months of using this I had to keep going back and forth with myself on whether I should quit it or not. My face wasn't the worst it has ever been but it was bad. When I first started using this the only problems I had with my skin was a lot of redness and uneven skin tone. Now my skin tone is finally where I want it to be! NO more redness. no bumps. I prefer the gel over the liquid for my sensitive skin.

Sarah

Reviewed on Tuesday, December 30, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Like the Liquid Over the Gel

The BHA 2% gel works just as well as the 2% BHA liquid for me but I prefer the texture of the liquid better. I tried the gel thinking it would be easier to apply and it is but the liquid seems to "soak" into my skin faster and in the mornings. I am a working mom and trying to get husband, kids, and myself all out the door in the morning, I appreciate the quick "drying" of the BHA liquid. Either way PC's BHA products are the best. They leave my skin feeling soft, bright and breakout free.

Anonymous

Reviewed on Thursday, November 13, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

This is a game changer.

I've always had at least 2 blemishes on my face at any given time since I was 20 (now 44). Always. Important events, vacations, wedding, anniversaries, holidays-you name it- always 2 pimples. Three months ago, I tried this and after a couple weeks, I had none. None. It's shocking to me. I have oily skin and use it twice a day. God help me, I will never be without it again. It is a little tacky when on, but not noticeable under sunscreen or moisturizer.

Hollie K

Reviewed on Monday, November 10, 2014

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Disappointed

I had high hopes for this product, but was once again let down. I have very oily, acne prone skin and have tried what seems like everything on the market to clear my acne, you'd think at 37 I would have this problem, but i do. I got a sample of this and loved it, but after buying it and using it for several weeks my skin is worse than ever. Back to the drawing board I go. I'm out 26 bucks and my skin is still horrible.

Customer Service Response

Replied on: Monday, November 10, 2014

Thanks for your review! First, our products are sold with a money-back guarantee, so be sure to contact us for a refund! We'd also be happy to discuss your current situation and suggest alternate products you may wish to try. Sometimes those new to using a BHA exfoliant can experience a temporary worsening of breakouts, often referred to as "purging". That may be what's happening in your case.

—Admin

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Lacy B.

Reviewed on Wednesday, November 05, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Ill use the rest of it

When I ordered the sample, I knew I had to get a bottle. The first week my skin felt brand new, with an even tone and smooth texture. Now that it has been two months into using the product, and I am acclimated to my improved skin I am still waiting for the blackheads to diminish even after using twice daily. I feel like I may want to bump it up to the 5%, and still have about half a bottle left.

Cecilia S.

Reviewed on Saturday, November 01, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

love it

A little hx I've been using retin a for about 6 mths and believe it or not my skin looked horrible. It was extremely oily and I still had lil bumps under my skin plus I was still breaking out. So I started using this and clinique emergency acne solution 5% bp about 2wks ago and mt skin looks great. Thx pc!

Anonymous

Reviewed on Saturday, October 11, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Wouldn't go without it

I only began liking this product when using other PC products (a good cleanser and a BP product after). It made my skin too shiny and oily at first - when mixing with other proper products, I wouldn't go without this! I tried going without it and definitely noticed more breakouts - it's now an essential part of my skincare routine, twice a day. Let it dry after applying before putting on BP.

Emily E.

Reviewed on Saturday, September 20, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Sticky, but does its job

Purchased this because I felt that I went through the liquid version too quckly, and that product was wasted on a cotton ball.
The gel version is very sticky and tacky feeling. I use it at night so it's not really a problem for me. The bottle lasts a long time. The pores on my nose are smaller. I stopped use for a week and could feel the buildup on my skin.

S.W.

Reviewed on Monday, September 15, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Texture is really not for everyone

I have relatively normal-sensitive skin with large pores & texture issues. The gel does what it's supposed to do, & I can use it nightly without any irritation problems. The only thing is- like others, I ended up hating the texture of the product. Originally I ordered a sample & liked it, but now with the bottle I feel like it gets stickier every time I use it. I'm going finish it up because it does work well! But I'll switch to the lotion or liquid or the Resist Daily treatment after it's gone.

Sasha

Reviewed on Sunday, September 14, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

The best BHA treatment I have tried

Anyone with acne should try this product. I used PC Clear Regular Strength toner with the same 2 % salicylic acid content but the effect was barely noticeable. I had a bad breakout on my chin that looked like cystic acne because it was deep under the surface and decided to use the gel sample - the next morning redness was gone and the pores actually started to clear up. I ordered the full size - three weeks after daily usage my chin is practically clear. Use the amount recommended- no issues.

Chelsea E.

Reviewed on Saturday, September 13, 2014

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Harsh and Ineffective on Face

This was one of my first products from Paula's choice, and I tried it on my face first to help with mild/moderate acne. My acne is usually small bumps scattered here and there and not a huge problem, but I often have a larger blemish or a few. Unfortunately, this product did not seem to help, and used frequently, it really dried out my skin and caused some redness, and maybe increased my small bumps. It has helped with KP on my shoulders, though, so I use it there instead of on my face.

Laura

Reviewed on Sunday, September 07, 2014

80 out of 100

Rating

Good / 4

Almost perfect

I really liked this item for the most part. It helped reduce my acne and inflammation, and kept new breakouts at bay. In conjunction with the AHA gel and my prescription Adapalene, my face was nearly glowing, and uber soft. HOWEVER... It did not work well with my favorite sunscreen if I used both in the morning. I really didn't want to have to alternate with AHA at night, and wanted some chemical exfoliation during the day. Sadly, when I applied my sunscreen after this, it would peel and flake.

Rating

Poor / 4

Order a sample first - could be a bit harsh for you!

My skin started to peel the day after using this once daily for two days! I doubt it's a normal response to BHA but at least I only had a sample! I've been using Resist 2% BHA for 3 months without incident, but I don't enjoy applying the liquid with my fingers; I believe using a cotton ball wastes the otherwise great product. I have now got a few sachets of some 1% BHA gel and lotion on order & I look forward to seeing how they go... once my skin stops peeling & has a few days rest from BHAs!

J

Reviewed on Sunday, August 24, 2014

100 out of 100

Rating

Best / 4

Love this

33/oily skin/enlarged pores/discoloration/blackheads
starting to get blackheads in other areas around my face which is why i gave this a shot! Never thought it'd help with the other issues stated above-but has helped more than anything else in the past 20 yrs! Blackheads on my nose are less visible, discoloration is better, smaller pores on my cheeks & has removed blackheads from around my face COMPLETELY! My skin is softer & overall has improved vastly. Can't recommend this enough!

KC

Reviewed on Friday, August 22, 2014

60 out of 100

Rating

Neutral / 4

Not working as well for me

I've been using this product at night for awhile now and it hasn't really done all that much for me. It does go on a bit sticky and almost doesn't absorb into your skin. I could get past that, but it really hasn't done all that much for acne that I can tell. I think changing/washing my pillowcase more often has been more effective than using this gel. I'm male and my skin gets very oily so perhaps this product just wasn't meant for my skin type.

Ranessa K.

Reviewed on Monday, August 18, 2014

40 out of 100

Rating

Poor / 4

Caused breakouts

I tried a couple of samples of this product and it seemed to not cause any irritation, but not much difference on my skin either. I figured 2 samples is not enough to see how well it works, so I proceeded to get the 3.3 fl. oz. bottle. After about 5 days of use I saw an increase in blackhead production and started to breakout:( I was using this in combination with the Resist Daily Pore Treatment 2%BHA. Stopped using the gel and continued with the Resist BHA which has cleared my skin. Whew!!

What makes this product unique?Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant is a water-based formula that exfoliates both the skin's surface and inside the pore, reshaping the pore lining to unclog pores and improve skin cell turnover rate. This creates a dramatic improvement in the skin's appearance, feel, and function especially for blemish-prone skin. There is a great deal of research indicating that BHA (beta hydroxy acid) increases collagen production and drastically smooths the surface of skin. Additionally, BHA has anti-bacterial properties that attack blemish-causing bacteria. The silky gel base of this exfoliant is similar to the texture of the Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel Exfoliant but has twice the amount of salicylic acid to combat stubborn blemishes, including blackheads and white bumps.

This product is 100% fragrance- and colorant-free with a pH range of 3.5-3.9. Every Paula's Choice BHA product is formulated with additional soothing agents.

Who is this product for?All skin types may use this product, but the texture is especially suited for those with normal to very oily skin prone to blemishes.

NOTE: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acid).

Sources to support the claims made for SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Gel EXFOLIANT

DIRECTIONS: Apply once or twice daily after cleansing and toning. Apply a dime-sized amount over the entire face, including the eyes (avoid the lower lash line and eyelids). Do not rinse. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater.

When properly formulated, both AHAs and BHA are brilliant options for exfoliating the surface of skin. Both AHA and BHA work to reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and firm skin but each has its special qualities you'll want to consider when deciding which one to use:

AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content.

BHA is preferred for oily, acne-prone skin and for treating blackheads and white bumps because BHA can get through the oil that's clogging your pores, normalizing the lining of the misshapen pore that contributes to acne.

BHA has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action. Those are two more reasons to use a BHA exfoliant if you have acne or sensitive, reddened skin.

BHA is preferred for those struggling with rosacea. Not everyone with rosacea can tolerate an exfoliant, but it is wise to experiment with a BHA product to see how your rosacea responds.

If your skin is sun-damaged and you're also struggling with acne or clogged pores, add a BHA product to your routine.

If you'd like to use an AHA and BHA at the same time, that is an option, though not really necessary. Some people find they work well when they're applied at the same time, but if you want to give this a try it is best to apply them separately, one during the day and one in the evening.

AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.

It is entirely a matter of personal preference. It is completely acceptable to use more than one of our 2% BHA products, though use only one at a time. A typical regimen would be to apply the 2% BHA Gel in the morning under makeup and the 2% BHA Lotion in the evening.

First, we urge you to follow the post-procedure instructions your doctor or nurse provided. If nothing was mentioned about when to resume use of a BHA exfoliant, please contact the doctor's office where you had the procedure done. Otherwise, our general advice is to begin using your BHA again as soon as possible. Or, if your skin seems extra-sensitive, you may want to wait and apply the BHA exfoliant a few days post-procedure. Salicylic acid is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient that can enhance skin's natural healing process as it works to reduce post-procedure redness.